SKERPLA DAY OF THOR

The clinking of utensils resounding the cold walls of the Palace Dining Hall was momentary as it was replaced by Erodessa's laughter. The sound was like a cat's claw scratching my ears. She had been flirting with Prince Asher since last night and letting a giggle at every word that was coming out of the man's lips.

Meanwhile, there was a palpable change in Lian who was eating quietly the whole time. I witnessed my sisters' huge argument after dinner yesterday when I was going back to my room but I went ahead and ignore them. It didn't have anything to do with me so who cared?

Then, there was Father and Yves who were talking about the current state predicaments. They really did look alike when they were displaying a serious expression.

As for me, I was rather bothered at the moment by Crown Prince Lander's stare.

'What's with him?' I thought as I continued eating.

Everyone was taking their time as they ate so I had to chew as slow as I could. It was like forever until we were done with our luncheon.

"It is a pity I could not accompany you further as I have matters to attend, Crown Prince Lander, Prince Asher," reasoned Father after he got up.

"It is fine, your majesty," said both the princes simultaneously.

"I had to trouble my children to keep you company at the moment," said Father, smiling with closed lips.

"It is no trouble, Father. I am truly enjoying Prince Asher's presence. It is such a delight that you gave us this chance to meet," responded Erodessa as she hooked her arms to the prince.

She was pressing her body to him while the smile on the prince's face did not falter. They were not even formally engaged but the physical contact she initiated could already be compared to a spouse or better yet, a lowly hostess.

"Then, I'll leave everyone to you, dear," Father excused himself and left the room.

"I heard you are an avid fan of paintings, your highness?" asked Erodessa as they all walked out.

"Yes. My maternal grandfather was a renowned craftsman and his love of art had influenced me," explained Prince Asher.

The two people with their own world were completely oblivious to the persons behind them. We were like shadows in the background, bathed by a silence that none of us wanted to cut through.

As they were talking about paintings, we proceeded to the Palace Gallery. Since I was with my siblings, I guessed it was alright if I entered with them. This hall was used to showcase the extravagant paintings that our family had collected for generations. The family portraits were also said to be displayed deeper in this area.

I was hounding behind them when Erodessa stopped my tracks.

"Uh. Carline, why are you still here?" she asked with an arched brow.

I stared back at her in confusion. We still had the guest so I thought I still needed to ride along with Father's act and could not just disappear from them.

"Nevermind," she stated before I could say my reply and went back to Prince Asher's side.

We walked matching the two soon-to-be lovers' pace. I didn't even know why we were still trailing them. Lian was preoccupied, Yves was silent, and Prince Lander looked nonchalant as we roamed around while I was just an observer for them.

After a while, Yves was called by a servant and Lian went with him. I could go with them if I liked but I decided to stay. To be honest, I had never come to this place. When I was young, I did not bother going here as it was located on the farthest side of the East Wing and I never wandered around without Mother.

The first time I did it and looked at what it got me. An eternal nightmare.

I hastily erased the usurping thoughts as the rest of us reached further down the hall where the family portraits were located.

A grand photo of a woman was hung with grandeur. She had luscious blonde hair paired with a sharp countenance. Red petalled lips, a straight nose, fine brows that compliment her upturned eyes with crystal blue orbs that seemed to glow even in the painting.

She had the largest portrait and stood at the center of the hall, her name written in bold.

Cannaria Ezriel.

The first royal of the Ezriel Kingdom. The daughter of the Fallen God and the origin of the mad kings.

"Pardon me, Princess Erodessa, but can I assume this was the Dark Queen from the stories?" said Prince Asher with obvious awe on his face in front of him.

Many had portrayed the previous queen as an old witch but her beauty was actually beyond comparison. No one should even think of that since the royals of Ezriels were always praised for their mesmerizing countenance.

"Queen Cannaria is really a remarkable beauty. I'm sure not anyone could deny her allure when she was alive," Crown Prince Lander complimented.

Willow confirmed that he was a skirt-chaser. Truly, he did not disappoint as it was the first time he voluntarily opened his mouth just to praise a woman. Crown Prince Lander had only been speaking when he was asked ever since he came here.

"It is such a shame the life she had was a disgraceful one. The kingdom of Ezriel had suffered in her reign, isolated by all, and her cruelty traveled across the continent. It must be hard on your family to bear the repercussions of her nefarious acts. To imagine such a woman had been the cause of many nightmares that still haunts the people up to this day," Crown Prince Lander spoke continuously without batting an eyelash then he paused as if realizing what he did.

"Oh. I apologize, your highnesses, it was rude of me to think about like that to your ancestor."

It was the longest he had talked since he arrived. I thought he was just about physical appearances. The fact that he said that made me see him in a new light. All he had stated was true, it was clearly written in the history books. Queen Cannaria almost made half the continent disappear in her rule.

"It is fine, Prince Lander. But I just have to clarify that was just rumors made to tarnish our reputation," defended Erodessa.

An absolute bullshit. Even if the stories that were written were no doubt exaggerated, no one could deny the reality of our bloodline. It was not just the ethereal blue-colored eyes that were like frozen icicles that we had inherited. Even the madness was passed through every generation. No king had not been labeled insane in this kingdom until Father. That was only because he knew how to play his tricks. He actually had the longest record not being exposed to the public.

'Come to think of it. Is it a requirement to be sick in the head just to become king?' I pondered and Yves's face flashed on my mind. We were not on good terms but I still hoped he won't stray on the same path as Father.

Sensing the mood becoming glum, Erodessa guided them to another set of portraits until we steered clear at the very end. This was the part where our portraits were located.

I saw Mother's portrait and a small smile formed on my lips. She looked beautiful and happy, there was no shadow of gloom cast upon her eyes like I used to see when she was still alive.

Beside her was a young child appearing between four to five years old. He still had plump rosy cheeks and had exact same features as Mother's, like the round eyes and thin lips, but he had blond hair and the eyes from Father. I looked down to see the sculpted letters under his portrait.

June. First Prince of the Ezriel.

So this was the brother I never knew. This was my first time seeing him and also learning his name. I was already aware we had another sibling. I was the fifth in line and there were only four of us remaining, so it was not hard to guess about it.

The only problem was no one ever talked about him.

"How old are you when this was made, Princess Erodessa?" I was absorbed in my thoughts until I heard Prince Asher's question.

"It was my debut," she answered with a full smile.

"Really? Then you must haven't changed as you look the same, Princess," Prince Asher commended.

"Brother is right, Princess Erodessa. You look eternally beautiful. But I'm quite curious why these two were not updated," said Lander, talking about the two portraits at both ends. Mine and June's.

"Unfortunately, our eldest brother had died early," answered Erodessa.

So that was why. I had a similar hunch but that did not explain why not a single person had mentioned him before or even spoke about him. It was as if he didn't exist at all.

"Then, how about Princess Carline's?" Prince Lander prompted.

I glanced at my portrait. It was back when I was still eight years old. I was a toddler and I still had the emerald eyes I inherited from Mother.

"As far as I know, portraits are usually updated every four years. Princess Carline has matured now, I'm sure everyone would love to paint her."

Just why is he doing this? I badly wanted to ask him. It was no good if he kept meddling in things he should not.

"Is that so? I had no idea of such a thing, Prince Lander," Erodessa responded with finality and changed the topic.

***

The tour of the gallery ended and each of us retired to our own chambers. I was heading back when I felt someone shadowing me.

This is unusual. I commented to myself. I found it quite odd someone tagging behind me since only Xenon was allowed to guard me in close proximity inside the palace and he was currently not here.

I walked hurriedly and put to an abrupt halt. I spun in my heels and it was Crown Prince Lander.

"What can I help you, your highness?" I asked, quite puzzled.

If the knights saw me together with him going back to the West Wing, I would surely get in trouble.

"I am not quite accustomed to the palace and I heard that the gardens of Ezriel could compare to the gardens of Deliora. Will you be my companion, Princess?" he inquired with a smile that could only be described as charming.

"I apologize, Prince Lander, but I have to refuse the pleasure to accompany you," I replied as politely as I could.

"Don't worry, Princess. I wouldn't do anything bad. I know how the King is overly protective of you and I am well aware of my background. No sane father would let their daughters with me alone."

"I am glad you understand, Prince Lander," I muttered and intended to leave when he spoke.

"Cindra asked me to bring you to the garden."

That caught my attention. "You know her?"

He referred to Cindra using that name. Not everyone called her that so he must be saying the truth.

"Of course. We are in the same social circle," he replied in such a casual tone.

"That's not what I'm pertaining to. Are you not just an acquaintance?"

"Absolutely not. We go a long way back," he specified.

The way he said it seemed like he was insinuating another thing. I instantaneously denied the thought. There was no way Cindra would have something on a guy half her age no matter how handsome he was. Besides, her husband was pretty much alive.

"I am a friend of his son. She is also a friend of my godmother. She lent a hand during my sister's debut. She is also my tutor in history and she gave me this when I awakened," Crown Prince Lander listed several points of what their relationship implied and held out his hand holding a key.

Among the things he had said, it was only the key that convinced me. It was similar to mine so I finally nodded.

"Then, let's go."

***